In an effort to get closer to the truth about what will happen this weekend during the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs, we talked to bloggers representing all eight teams still left in the chase. For each participant, we asked the same batch of questions. This is the preview for the Arizona and New Orleans clash.
Cardinals-Saints Playoff Preview: SBN NFL Blogs Break Down The Matchup
Cardinals @ Saints
4:30 PM ET, January 16, 2010
Superdome, New Orleans
FOX
Team: Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
Blog: Revenge Of The Birds
Give us a couple of reasons the Cardinals will win on Saturday.
The Arizona Cardinals showcased just how dangerous they were in one of the greatest playoff games in NFL history last week. Kurt Warner continued his string of playoff success, and is proving that he should be in consideration as the greatest playoff quarterback of all time. With Anquan Boldin possibly returning, the offense will create too many mismatches for New Orleans.
One guy from the opposition you would add to the Cardinals.
Umm, that's easy. I'll take Tracy Porter and throw him out there next to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. If we learned one thing last week, it's that the Cardinals need to address the cornerback position in the offseason regardless of what the Cardinals do in the playoffs. The Cardinals biggest weakness this Saturday will be corner, so getting Porter would shore up a huge need.
Who is the Cardinals MVP?
I'll go with an non-obvious answer, Beanie Wells. His numbers don't jump out at you but he's been the added boost the Cardinals desperately needed to the running game. The balance on offense was the primary reason the Cardinals won 10 games and the division. Wells is a down-hill runner with a nasty stiff arm that is a major threat to break a big run at any given time. Wells will be an overlooked reason for the Cardinals if they win on Saturday.
Who is the X-Factor?
Normally I'd say Wells, but since I just mentioned him, I'll think outside the box. At this point Steve Breaston is the Cardinals x factor. Most teams don't consider him a threat, and that's fine when they double cover Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin so Breaston can get wide open. Steve is the added threat at receiver that the Cardinals currently don't have - the burner. He's fast, fearless over the middle, and also is productive at returning punts.
Scouting report on the Saints.
The New Orleans Saints are undoubtedly a good team, but one reason they've had so much success is because of the lack of competition they've played. The only three teams they beat with winning records in 09 were the Eagles, Jets and Patriots. The Eagles and Patriots were embarrassingly knocked out of the playoffs last week, and Mark Sanchez was not playing as good then, as he is now. I can also confidently say the Saints defense has yet to face an offense like the Cardinals this year.
Give us a prediction.
Cardinals win 38-31
Team: New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Blog: Canal Street Chronicles
Give us a couple of reasons the Saints will win on Saturday.
The Saints should be close to full strength coming off the bye and have the advantage of playing at home. The Saints will return to early season form and put up tons of offense, just enough to beat the defensively challenged Cardinals.
One guy from the opposition you would add to the Saints.
Gotta be Larry Fitzgerald. He is just scary good and I shudder to think what he could do with Drew Brees tossing balls his way. Did it just get cold in here?
Who is the Saints MVP?
Usually when we ask this question on Canal Street Chronicles we also include the disclaimer *Other than Drew Brees* because he is so obviously the reason the Saints have been successful these last four years and the question is pretty pointless otherwise..
Who is the X-Factor?
On defense it's the line. If they can wreak havoc in the pocket and put the fear of God in Kurt Warner, the Saints have a great shot at winning. On offense, Reggie Bush could surprise everyone with a huge day and run away with the win.
Scouting report on the Cardinals.
The Cardinals have just come off one of the most impressive offensive performances in playoff history so naturally I’m worried about their incredibly powerful aerial attack which could include the double threat of Fitzgerald and Boldin. The good news is that their defense looked weak in the first round, a good sign for the the Saints who have the number one offense in the league. Also, they’ve got to be tired while the Saints should be well rested.
Give us a prediction.
Homefield advantage proves to be important in this one but it’s a shootout nonetheless. Saints win 45-38.
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